UPDATED: Dust storm causes massive pile-up on I-15 in Southern Utah; 8 confirmed dead

Written by Jeff Richards
July 25, 2021

KANOSH — A dust storm dropped visibility on Interstate 15 to practically zero Sunday afternoon near mile marker 152, leading to a deadly 22-vehicle pile up south, police said.

Scene from an accident near Kanosh, Utah, July 25, 2021 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News

Eight fatalities have been confirmed by the Utah Highway Patrol. Multiple accidents occurred, UHP Cpl. Andy Battenfield said, beginning around 4:30 p.m., which included a number of passenger vehicles, as well as four semi-tractor-trailers.

In a press release issued Monday morning, the Utah Department of Public safety said five of the people killed in the crashes were traveling in one vehicle, and the other two were in a separate vehicle. Utah Highway Patrol later stated there was an eighth fatality but no additional details were given.

Both lanes were closed down while first responders worked to clear the scene.  Several air and ground ambulances were dispatched to the scene, which was still active as of 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Police were advising travelers to avoid the area if possible.

No names of victims will be released until 24 hours after notifications are made to next of kin.

Northbound traffic through the area was partially open at 8 p.m.

Alternate route

I-15 is currently being diverted at the Meadow exit (Exit 158). Motorists are being directed into Meadow and then south on state Route 133 into Kanosh. Traffic then can reenter southbound I-15 at the Kanosh onramp (Exit 148). Southbound traffic through area will be closed for a several hours, while UHP conducts its investigation.

St. George News reporter David Dudley contributed to this story.

Updated July 26, 9 a.m. Story updated with additional details.

Updated July 25, 10:30 p.m. Story has been updated with number of vehicles and fatalities, as well as an alternate route.

Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have two young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @stgnews@moabjeff@stgnewssports

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!